Post by : Badri Ariffin

Aaron Rodgers has officially stated that the 2026 NFL season will bring his illustrious football career to a close. The seasoned quarterback revealed on Wednesday that he plans to retire after his 22nd season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“This is it,” Rodgers shared following the Steelers’ second day of voluntary organized team activities.

At 42 years old, the quarterback did not elaborate on his reasons for retiring after this season, but acknowledged that earlier this year, he contemplated ending his football journey. He had serious thoughts about retirement after longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin resigned following Pittsburgh’s disappointing playoff loss to the Houston Texans in January.

However, the dynamics shifted when the Steelers appointed Mike McCarthy as head coach. Rodgers, who enjoyed great success under McCarthy during their 13 seasons together with the Green Bay Packers, pushed Steelers general manager Omar Khan to engage McCarthy for the head coaching position.

Their previous partnership resulted in a Super Bowl win in Green Bay, influencing Rodgers' decision to return for another season. The quarterback emphasized that remaining healthy and reuniting with familiar faces made it easier for him to commit.

Rodgers described his return to Pittsburgh as “surreal,” especially reconnecting with McCarthy and several former Packers associates.

He noted that stepping back into the Steelers’ meeting room alongside McCarthy felt reminiscent of 2006 when he was still a young backup to Brett Favre in Green Bay.

Despite his age, Rodgers had commendable performances last season, throwing 24 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions, significantly contributing to Pittsburgh's AFC North title win. Nevertheless, injuries and the Steelers’ playoff loss highlighted the difficulties of competing at 42.

McCarthy commended Rodgers during training activities, affirming that the veteran can compete with any quarterback in the league. Besides leading the team, Rodgers is set to mentor young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard as the Steelers look towards the future post-retirement.

Rodgers expressed optimism about the team’s offseason enhancements, including the acquisitions of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Rico Dowdle, and rookie receiver Germie Bernard. He also voiced trust in the Steelers’ offensive line and their defense, guided by standout players Cam Heyward and TJ Watt.

The future Hall of Famer stated he is eager to savor his final season and help Pittsburgh strive for success one last time.

“I am excited about these guys,” Rodgers remarked. “I’m excited about the team.”

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